Chafee (R-RI) amendment to the Budget Reconciliation bill to restore $500 million for public transportation and $100 million to help poor people insulate their homes. The amendment also added money for numerous other social programs for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Of the many good programs cut by Congress this year, public transportation suffered some of the most severe cuts. The Senate Budget Committee slashed $3.2 billion from the transit budget, a 30% cut from previously authorized levels.

Environmentalists strongly support mass transit as an alternative to the single passenger automobile, especially for commuters. Greater reliance on mass and rail transit will reduce smog and air pollution, and promote energy conservation. New York City with its extensive subway system only uses half the energy per person for transportation as most other American cities. (See also vote 12 for a description of the low-income weatherization program.) Amendment rejected 40-59.  March 31, 1981. YES is the pro-environment vote.